As deadline looms, Garth Snow needs to take a risk

The Islanders board a flight to Dallas on Tuesday, a day earlier than they would have left under normal circumstances, to continue their nine-game road trip.

What's not normal about a Tuesday in February? In case you have been living under a rock, Wednesday at 3 p.m. ET is the NHL trade deadline. And with the Islanders engaged in a back-room brawl for the final Eastern Conference wild card spot, it's their last opportunity to search for help outside the organization -- help that could get them over the hump and into the playoffs. And that's where every team, thanks to parity that now rules the day, has a chance at the big prize.

Third place in the Metropolitan division is a pipe dream at this point, with New York trailing Columbus by 15 points with 21 games to play. With the best division in hockey getting better after Washington acquired Kevin Shattenkirk Monday night, they trail the rival New York Rangers by 14 points, making the first wild card spot and a trip into the Atlantic division bracket also an extremely long shot.

The Atlantic division is in utter chaos -- Ottawa trails first place Montreal by only four points with two games in hand -- so the Islanders could be in a dog fight right up to game 82, battling all the teams in that division while keeping a very close eye on Florida, Tampa, Philadelphia, Buffalo, and even New Jersey if New York manages to stumble, even a little. And the road, literally, will not be easy. The Islanders will play 10 games in 18 days from March 1 to March 18, with seven of those coming away from Brooklyn with two sets of back to backs.

What's waiting for them on the other side of that potentially horrific journey? Only games against the Rangers, Penguins, Bruins, and Flyers, among others. It's for that reason, and some others, that Islanders GM Garth Snow has to be a buyer at this trade deadline, even at the expense of a promising prospect.

The Islanders, under interim head coach Doug Weight, have gotten results, there is no questioning that. A 12-5-2 mark (68 percent of all possible points) is nothing to be upset about. But, has it been with a little smoke and mirrors? Underlying numbers seem to say yes.

Over their last nine games, the Islanders are 5-4-0. And in the four losses, they have allowed a staggering 20 goals while showing up for, arguably, four out of 12 periods of play (two in Ottawa and two in New Jersey). In four of their last six games, they have put less than 25 shots on goal. They are 26th in the NHL in 5v5 possession (47.4 percent) and have a PDO of 100.6, showing they are not garnering results due to inflated shooting or save percentages.

Brock Nelson has no goals in his last 10 games, collecting only four assists in that span. Ryan Strome has 3-2-5 in the same 10-game span, but two goals and three points came in one game. In six of his past seven games, he is pointless. Anthony Beauvillier has been a breath of fresh air, working as hard as any forward, but has six goals in 47 games. And at 19 years old, he now enters unknown conditioning territory.

The Islanders are 20th in the NHL in the faceoff circle, at 48.7 percent, and have allowed some bad goals and even lost a couple of games recently as a result of not being able to win a big draw.

The 'addition by getting healthy' thinking is simply not good enough at this point, and may not be enough to get the Islanders over the hump and into the playoffs. Travis Hamonic was struggling mightily before -- how will he do after 20+ games off? Shane Prince is a nice depth player, but nothing other teams are going to fear. Cal Clutterbuck can bang with the best of them, but has three goals in 45 games.

Ryan Pulock and Mathew Barzal seem to be the two most coveted Islanders prospects at this time. With the way Scott Mayfield and Adam Pelech have come along so far in 2016-17, and Devon Toews developing nicely in Bridgeport and Parker Wotherspoon still to come, I say that makes Pulock -- who has been injury riddled the past two seasons and unable to land a spot with the big club -- expendable in the right deal.

Barzal, who is lighting up the WHL in assists, is a pass-first dangler who I compared to Adam Oates on the Islanders PB podcast yesterday. I'm not saying he will share the same Hall of Fame career, but in style and maybe what to expect in terms of goal-assist split. With Joshua Ho-Sang, Michael Dal Colle, and Kieffer Bellows in the system, I say if you have to move Barzal to acquire known talent to make your push, it absolutely has to be done.

The latest news from multiple sources around the league, and confirmed to SNY, is that the Islanders are pushing hard for Matt Duchene, who would help them in a number of different ways. The 26-year-old versatile, speedy forward is excellent on faceoffs and would provide a bonafide second-line center threat in addition to boosting a second power play unit that has looked drab more often than not.

The Avalanche don't have to move Duchene right now, being he has two years remaining on his current contract at a $6 million dollar cap hit. So no matter what offer Snow makes to Colorado GM Joe Sakic, the final decision is somewhat out of the Islanders' control.

As we wait, perhaps Snow turns to another club in an effort to improve his team. Edmonton, although telling TSN's Darren Dreger Tuesday morning they were not moving Jordan Eberle, could be swayed with the right phone call. Afternoon rumors had Jaroslav Halak possibly on the move, although it's hard to guess what sort of return could be coming.

It's all part of the annual deadline madness, where talk is in plentiful supply, but often leads to underwhelming results. For the Islanders and Snow's sake, the feeling is this year needs to be much different.

Center ruled out for four weeks with upper-body injury

Mar 20 | 11:17AM

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Mar 7, 2019; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; New York Islanders center Valtteri Filppula (51) prepares for a faceoff in the first period against the Ottawa Senators at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports (Marc DesRosiers)

The Islanders' depth at center will be tested as Valtteri Filppula will miss the next four weeks with an upper-body injury, the Islanders announced Wednesday -- on Filppula's 35th birthday. Filppula was injured during the first period of Tuesday's loss and did not return.

The four-week timetable means Filppula will miss the start of the playoffs, and possibly the entire first round. The veteran has 15 goals and 14 assists in 71 games this season after signing a one-year, $2.75 million deal with the Isles.

The Islanders failed to capitalize on an opportunity to move within a tie of the Washington Capitals for first place in the Metropolitan Division in a tktkt loss to the lowly Detroit Red Wings on Saturday. Anders Lee had the lone goal for the Islanders as Andreas Athansiou scored twice to lead Detroit to victory. >> Box score

Anders Lee scored with 2:57 left to give the Islanders a 2-1 victory over the Canadiens Thursday night. Mathew Barzal set up the winner by stealing the puck in the Isles' zone and feeding Lee on a two-on-one. Thomas Greiss made 33 saves as the Isles earned their fourth win in the last five games. >> Box score

Lehner missed last three games after being run over by Ottawa's Brady Tkachuk

Mar 14 | 6:00PM

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Mar 7, 2019; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; New York Islanders goalie Thomas Greiss (1) makes a save in the second period against the Ottawa Senators at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports (Marc DesRosiers)

The New York Islanders and Montreal Canadiens both improved their precarious positions in the Eastern Conference playoff race with wins in their most recent games.

But the work has just begun for the two teams, who will face off in another pivotal game Thursday night, when New York hosts Montreal at Nassau Coliseum.

The Islanders (40-22-7, 87 points) have been off since Monday, when they beat the visiting Columbus Blue Jackets, 2-0. The Canadiens (37-26-7, 81) last played Tuesday, when they hosted and edged the Detroit Red Wings, 3-1.

Islanders goaltender Robin Lehner returned to practice Wednesday, eight days after being bowled over by Ottawa's Brady Tkachuk. Lehner, who missed the last three games with an upper-body injury, is a "possibility" to return to goal against the Canadiens Thursday night at the Coliseum, Barry Trotz told reporters.

Trotz had to speak with Lehner and the training staff before making a decision. If Lehner doesn't return Thursday, he could return during the Islanders' weekend back-to-back at Detroit and Minnesota.

Islanders top Blue Jackets 2-0 for third win in last four games

Greiss stops 33 shots in shutout

Mar 11 | 8:02PM

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New York Islanders left wing Anders Lee falls onto the ice while attempting a shot on goal against the Columbus Blue Jackets during the first period at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. (Catalina Fragoso/USA TODAY Sports)

Thomas Greiss recorded 33 saves in a shutout as the Islanders beat the Columbus Blue Jackets 2-0 on Monday at Nassau Coliseum. >> Box score

Islanders owner gives update on new arena at Belmont Park

Jon Ledecky quells concerns about when arena will be ready

Mar 11 | 9:44AM

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Dec 1, 2018; Uniondale, NY, USA; General view of the opening puck drop between the New York Islanders and the Columbus Blue Jackets during the first period at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports (Brad Penner)

The Islanders plan to have a new home in Belmont Park by the 2021-22 season, but there are some fears that the project to build a new arena is dragging.

Islanders owner Jon Ledecky insists there is nothing to worry about.

"Everything is moving forward on schedule," he told The Post during his team's 5-2 loss to the Flyers on Saturday.

Flyers assistant captain dealt two-game suspension by NHL for making contact with Boychuk's head

Mar 10 | 12:59PM

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Trotz reacts to Boychuk hit00:00:29

Jakub Voracek answered Boychuk's taunting with a questionable hit. Voracek will now have a hearing with the league. Trotz reacts to the hit.

Johnny Boychuk made it perfectly clear he did not appreciate Jakub Voracek's whack to the head that sent the Islanders captain to the ice Saturday against the Flyers.

While skating off the rink, Boychuk seemingly had strong words for Voracek, letting him know what he thought of the hit. But after the game, Voracek fired back and called out Boychuk's rant toward him following the play.

"It's a tough hit," the Flyers assistant captain told reporters. "You know, he's getting off the ice, he's pointing at me like it's a WrestleMania or something. Pointing at me like it's a WrestleMania. Come on, it's a hockey game."

The Islanders are coming off a couple of ugly wins in consecutive victories over the NHL's cellar-dwelling Ottawa Senators but aren't apologizing for it. After all, the Islanders needed those wins to keep in the fight for top spot in the Metropolitan Division, the latest a 4-2 decision in Ottawa on Thursday night.

"We got two points and have to move on," head coach Barry Trotz said after his team's victory. "You have to look at the big picture. We've had some guys out, we've had all that, but when it's mattered, we've found ways to win."

Islanders keeping Michael Dal Colle in NHL

Dal Colle's recall changed from emergency to regular while Josh Ho-Sang goes back to Bridgeport

Mar 8 | 6:20PM

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(Andy Marlin)

Michael Dal Colle is sticking with the Islanders.

After playing two games with the Isles as an emergency recall, the club announced Friday that Dal Colle is now a regular recall and will remain with the NHL squad. Josh Ho-Sang, who was also up on an emergency basis but didn't dress for either of the Islanders' wins against Ottawa, was returned to AHL Bridgeport.

This Islanders season has already been far better than anyone within or outside the organization could have imagined. In the wake of John Tavares' departure, the Isles have bought into Barry Trotz's style and Lou Lamoriello's shrewd signing of Robin Lehner has paid major dividends. Lehner appears to be in a good place after battling substance addiction and a bipolar diagnosis, and he's been stellar on the ice as part of a goaltending duo with Thomas Greiss.

Lamoriello made the controversial decision not to make any acquisitions at the NHL trade deadline, and it wasn't looking like a smart move when the Isles went through some recent stumbles. The Isles rebounded with two straight wins against the basement-dwelling Senators, putting them back in a tie with Washington for the Metropolitan Division lead and eight points clear of ninth place in the Eastern Conference. But Trotz conceded after Thursday's win that his team is "still scuffling a little bit."

There's plenty of work to do over the final month of the regular season if the Islanders want to secure a playoff berth for the first time since 2015-16, and they'll have to step their game up against better competition.

Thomas Greiss makes 35 saves as Islanders top Senators, 4-2

Mar 7 | 10:20PM

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Mar 7, 2019; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; New York Islanders goalie Thomas Greiss (1) makes a save in the second period against the Ottawa Senators at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports (Marc DesRosiers)

With Robin Lehner nursing an upper-body injury, Thomas Greiss made 35 saves as the Islanders finished off a home-and-home sweep of the Senators, winning 4-2 in Ottawa Thursday night. Valtteri Filppula scored twice for the Isles. >> Box score

Both the New York Islanders and Ottawa Senators got what they wanted out of their game against each other Tuesday night. But each team will be looking for even more Thursday night, when Ottawa hosts New York in the back end of a home-and-home set.

The Islanders earned a 5-4 shootout win at Nassau Coliseum on Tuesday, when they squandered a two-goal third-period lead and survived an injury to starting goalie Robin Lehner but escaped with the victory after Jordan Eberle and Mathew Barzal scored on the team's only attempts in the shootout.

In a sign that Robin Lehner won't be healthy for Thursday's game after being run over Tuesday night by Ottawa's Brady Tkachuk, the Islanders recalled goalie Christopher Gibson from AHL Bridgeport on an emergency basis.

Lehner, who's been a steal on a one-year, $1.5 million deal, left Tuesday's shootout win late in the third period and was replaced by Thomas Greiss. Lehner ostensibly has a head injury but the Islanders had no update on Lehner's status on Wednesday, according to Newsday.

NHL general managers have approved a rule proposal which states a skater must immediately go to the bench upon losing his helmet. To enforce the safety measure, a skater who loses his helmet and doesn't comply would be assessed a two-minute penalty. Skaters can currently stay on the ice if they lose a helmet.

The NHL-NHLPA Competition Committee must approve any proposed rule changes before they're passed along to the Board of Governors.

New York allowed two Ottawa goals in the third, but recovered

Mar 5 | 9:59PM

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Isles win, Trotz's 800th win00:01:17

The Isles beat the Senators 5-4 in a shootout to stop their losing streak. It was also Barry Trotz's 800th career win.

The Islanders entered the third period with a solid 4-2 lead at the Coliseum, but the Senators scored two unanswered goals to tie it up by the end of regulation. And after an overtime period that saw the puck stay out of both nets, Thomas Greiss locked down the net in the shootout while Jordan Eberle and Mathew Barzal buried their penalty shots to come away with the win. >> Box score

The New York Islanders did numerous things right in their ascent to the top of the Metropolitan Division. Recently they have encountered a slight speed bump.

For the first time since Jan. 18, the Islanders are not a first-place team, and they will hope to rebound from two disappointing losses when they host the league-worst Ottawa Senators Tuesday night in Uniondale, N.Y.

New York (37-21-7, 81 points) enters two points behind the Washington Capitals, who handed the Isles a 3-1 loss on Friday. The Islanders followed with an even worse showing in a 4-1 defeat to the Philadelphia Flyers on Sunday afternoon.

With the Islanders badly needing a win after losing their lead in the Metropolitan Division, their lineup is completely up in the air thanks to a flu bug that is running through their locker room. The only thing that seems certain for the Isles' home game against Ottawa is that Robin Lehner will start in goal.

"Sickness hit us on Sunday. We had some guys that had to go to the locker room. Quite frankly I don't even know the lineup right now," Barry Trotz said, per the team's Twitter account. "We've got a plethora of things going on. I probably won't know our lineup until game time tonight."

What Jordan Eberle thinks is missing from Islanders play lately

Right-winger sees opportunity for Isles to skate with more 'desperation'

Mar 4 | 7:14PM

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New York Islanders right wing Jordan Eberle controls the puck behind the Colorado Avalanche net in the first period at the Pepsi Center. (Ron Chenoy/USA TODAY Sports)

Just a couple of weeks ago, all was going well for the Islanders.

They were in first place and playing exceoptional hockey. But the group has lost three of four and five of the last seven. They've dropped out of first place in the Metropolitan Division and find themselves in the middle of a dogfight for a playoff spot.

It's too early to panic just yet, but RW Jordan Eberle said Monday "we need to find that desperation in our game."

A sluggish Islanders offense plagued the team once again, as the Flyers scored two goals in each of the first two periods Sunday to hand the Isles a 4-1 loss at Nassau Coliseum. The loss was the Isles' third in four games and keeps them two points behind the Metropolitan Division-leading Capitals, who picked up a point with an overtime win over the Rangers.

Four different Flyers found the back of the net and Claude Giroux accumulated two assists. Adam Pelech converted an opportunity to get the Islanders on the board late in the third period, but by thenthe game was out of reach. >> Box score

Islanders face Flyers, Sunday at 3 p.m.

Mar 3 | 12:04PM

New York Islanders head coach Barry Trotz looks on from behind the players bench against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena. (James Guillory/USA TODAY Sports)

A loss to the Washington Capitals on Friday night cost the New York Islanders sole possession of first place in the Metropolitan Division but left them focusing on the positives of their situation.

The Islanders will look to begin maximizing the advantages they have over the Capitals on Sunday, when New York hosts the Philadelphia Flyers in another game between Metropolitan Division rivals at Nassau Coliseum.

Both the Islanders and Flyers were off Saturday after playing division games Friday, when New York fell to the visiting Capitals, 3-1, and Philadelphia beat the host New Jersey Devils, 6-3.

The focus for the Islanders right now is their quest to win the Metropolitan Division and return to the playoffs for the first time since 2015-16.

But it's hard not to wonder what the team might look like next season as general manager Lou Lamoriello has a number of crucial decisions ahead of him. Among them is how he'll handle linemates Jordan Eberle, Anders Lee and Brock Nelson all becoming unrestricted free agents this summer.

All three are eligible for extensions before the season ends, but it appears Lamoriello wants to maintain flexibility. According to the New York Post, the Isles and Nelson have not engaged in "substantial negotiations" regarding a new contract.

Islanders turn page from John Tavares' return for huge clash with Capitals at 7 p.m.

New York holds two-point division lead over Washington

Mar 1 | 6:00PM

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Feb 28, 2019; Brooklyn, NY, USA; New York Islanders left wing Anthony Beauvillier (18) celebrates his goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs with teammates in front of Toronto Maple Leafs center John Tavares (91) during the first period at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports (Brad Penner)

Head coach Barry Trotz likes that the New York Islanders have gotten a preview of life in the playoffs the last several days. Good thing, because another postseason-type game awaits Trotz and the Islanders on Friday night.

The Islanders will follow up their most raucous victory of the season by trying to maintain sole possession of first place in the Metropolitan Division when they host the Washington Capitals.

Both teams are coming off lopsided wins. The Islanders will be completing an eventful back-to-back set at Nassau Coliseum after routing the Toronto Maple Leafs 6-1 Thursday night. The Capitals were off a second straight night after cruising past the visiting Ottawa Senators, 7-2, on Tuesday. >> Read More

Avery ripped fans for booing John Tavares' return to Nassau Coliseum

By John Healy | Mar 1 | 4:49PM

No, the former Rangers winger is not returning to hockey, but he did bring back his controversial style of trash talk on Friday when he ripped Islanders fans for booing John Tavares on Thursday night.

Avery, in a video posted on Twitter, went on an expletive-laden rant toward Islanders fans for their treatment of Tavares upon his first game back at Nassau Coliseum since leaving the team for the Toronto Maple Leafs in free agency.

Islanders fans unleash fury on John Tavares during 6-1 rout of Maple Leafs

Tavares jeered relentlessly in his first return to Nassau Coliseum since leaving in free agency

By Justin Tasch | Feb 28 | 9:45PM

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Islanders spoil Tavares' return00:01:07

Former New York Islander John Tavares doesn't regret signing with the Maple Leafs but Islanders players definitely fed of the fans' energy

The festivities started in the parking lot, as they often do at Nassau Coliseum, though this was anything but a typical pregame party.

Islanders fans circled Feb. 28 on their calendars the moment John Tavares left their beloved team in free agency to play for his hometown Maple Leafs. They were waiting for this day, when they'd wear their modified No. 91 jerseys with "Traitor" covering Tavares on the nameplate. They poured beer on and burned Tavares jerseys. They had signs made to bring into the old barn with them.

This night was the culmination of eight months of pent up anger, and Isles fans unleashed their fury from the moment Tavares stepped onto the Coliseum ice for warmups through the final horn Thursday as the Islanders routed Tavares and the Maple Leafs, 6-1, in the former Isles captain's first road game on Long Island after signing a seven-year, $77 million deal on July 1 with Toronto.

Tavares is 'appreciative' for former teammates who reached out in support

New York Islanders fans sound off on former center John Tavares right before he takes the ice at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum.

The Nassau Coliseum will be buzzing on Thursday night, and not necessarily because the Islanders and Maple Leafs will face off in an important Eastern Conference battle. It's because former Islanders captain John Tavares is returning home.

At least, it was Tavares' home for the first nine seasons of his career before making his free-agent decision to sign with the Maple Leafs on a seven-year, $77 million deal this offseason. He was once Islanders fans' pride and joy, but now, he will touch the ice as an enemy.

Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello told WFAN on Tuesday that "I hope that he gets the right reception and is complimented by the crowd for whaty he did while he was here." But Tavares knows that his welcome will be the exact opposite from the fan base that still hasn't gotten over him leaving.

WATCH: With return coming, Islanders fans describe John Tavares in one word

Tavares plays first road game against Isles Thursday at Nassau Coliseum

Feb 27 | 12:20PM

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Islander fans not over Tavares00:01:02

Islander fans were asked to describe John Tavares in one word. Traitor was a popular adjective for the former Captain.

With John Tavares set to play his first road game against the Islanders since leaving them last summer in free agency to sign with his hometown Maple Leafs, Isles fans share their feelings about the team's former captain before Thursday's game at Nassau Coliseum, describing Tavares in one word.

Which was the most common word? Well, let's just say a majority of fans polled by SNY consider Tavares' actions akin to Benedict Arnold's.

The Islanders did not make any moves at the trade deadline and now find their spot alone at the top of the Metropolitan Division in jeopardy after a 3-1 loss to the Calgary Flames. It was their second loss to the Flames within the last seven days and third loss in their last four games as the Washington Capitals are likely to move into a tie within atop the division. >> Box score

The New York Islanders and Calgary Flames are the two biggest surprises among the NHL's division leaders. They will have to finish the job with what got them here.

The Islanders and Flames meet Tuesday night for the second time in less than a week when New York hosts Calgary at Nassau Coliseum.

Both teams are coming off victories. The Islanders completed a western Canadian road swing Saturday by blanking the Vancouver Canucks, 4-0. The Flames began a three-game road trip Sunday by earning their fifth straight win with a 2-1 victory over the Ottawa Senators. >> Read More

Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello hopes fans won't boo John Tavares

Former Isles captain returns to Coliseum Thursday for first time as visitor

Feb 26 | 4:20PM

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(Dan Hamilton/USA TODAY Sports)

Whether it's the mere fact that he left or it's the manner in which he left Long Island for his hometown, Islanders fans have been worked up about former captain John Tavares' departure since he tweeted a childhood photo of himself in Maple Leafs pajamas on July 1.

So it'd be no surprise if Isles fans showered Tavares with boos on Thursday when Tavares returns to Nassau Coliseum for the first time since leaving. Isles GM Lou Lamoriello hopes it doesn't go down that way.

"I've heard all about the animosity towards John. He's a tremendous human being and gave tremendous years to the Islanders and a commitment as their captain," Lamoriello, who was Toronto's GM the previous three seasons, said Tuesday on WFAN. "I hope that he gets the right reception and is complimented by the crowd for what he did while he was here. He had every right to make the decision that he did to go and to go into free agency and I respect that."

With an opportunity to strengthen his team for a playoff run, Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello opted to hold onto all of his chips and stand pat with the group that currently leads the Metropolitan Division.

Lamoriello seems to be taking the position that sometimes the best move is the one you don't make.

"We went into this trade deadline with several areas that if potentially we could address, we would," Lamoriello said. "But we weren't going to get into a situation where we sacrificed what our plan is, because we feel very good about this hockey team."

10. Above The Rim (1994)

New York could use some scoring punch to solidify its spot atop the Metropolitan Division

Feb 23 | 12:54AM

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(Dennis Schneidler)

By bringing in one of the top sports executives ever and the most recent Stanley Cup-winning coach, the Islanders have turned the page on the John Tavares era and approach Monday's NHL trade deadline atop the Metropolitan Division.

But if the Isles' want to make a Stanley Cup run, Lou Lamoriello will have to bring in at least one skilled forward who can score before the NHL trade deadline passes Monday at 3 p.m.

Matt Duchene is no longer an option after Columbus acquired him from Ottawa on Friday. Plenty of good options remain on the market, some who will cost more in assets than others. Here's a look at players who can help the Islanders down the stretch and in the playoffs:

The NHL's Department of Player Safety announced Friday that Oilers star Connor McDavid was suspended two games for an illegal check to the head of Islanders defenseman Nick Leddy during the Isles' 4-3 overtime loss Thursday in Edmonton.

The hit came with 2:28 left in the first period and earned McDavid a minor penalty. It's the first suspension of McDavid's career. The Department of Player Safety said the head was the main point of contact and the hit was "avoidable."

The Islanders led by one after a wild first period but they let their lead slip away late in regulation befor Edmonton star Connor McDavid scored in overtime to hand the Isles a 4-3 loss. The Isles allowed at least four goals in consecutive games for the first time since Nov. 18 and 21. Their Metropolitan Division lead is two points after Washington defeated Toronto Thursday. >> Box score

The Islanders' surprising season sees them leading the Metropolitan Division with 24 games remaining, and with the trade deadline less than a week away they have been linked to one of the biggest names on the trade market.

In his weekly 31 Thoughts column for Sportsnet, Elliotte Friedman writes that the Islanders are one of two "stealth desination(s)" for Ottawa's Matt Duchene along with Calgary. Columbus and Nashville are the teams primarily in on Duchene, who has 27 goals and 31 assists in 50 games and is an unrestricted free agent this summer.

Islanders announce plans for potential home playoff games

First round would take place at Nassau Coliseum, other rounds at Barclays Center

Feb 15 | 6:32PM

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Dec 1, 2018; Uniondale, NY, USA; General view of the opening puck drop between the New York Islanders and the Columbus Blue Jackets during the first period at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports (Brad Penner)

The Islanders have been splitting their home games this season between Nassau Coliseum and Barclays Center, and if they advance past the first round of the playoffs, the same will be true for the postseason.

On Friday, the club announced that if it makes the playoffs that first-round home games will be played at Nassau Coliseum. However, if the Islanders advance past the first round, they will play the rest of their home games at Barclays Center.